Main IBM Thinkpad Computer
An IBM Thinkpad 380XD is installed in the cockpit using a Havis
Shield computer mount. The laptop computer is loaded with Internet access
software (Netcom), GPS mapping software, EMWIN software (Emergency Management
and Weather Information Network) and Voice Recognition software as described
below. The computer is mainly used for navigation purposes and I can also
use it to check e-mail, search for businesses (automotive parts - if needed)
and to check upcoming weather information.
The Voice Recognition (VRS 98) software was added to make the use of the computer safer while driving. It has been trained with about 20 commands to start-up Internet access, read back map directions, turn on lights and other simple tasks that do not require significant keyboard input. To be safe, any time keyboard input is required, either the co-pilot will enter the information or I will be stopped and off any roadways.
The computer's speaker-out and mic-in jacks are connected to the on-board intercom system. This way, either the pilot or co-pilot can make voice requests and hear responses from the computer. Other devices as described below are also connected to the intercom system and computer system.
GPS Unit
I use a Garmin GPS III unit mounted on the dash of the Bronco. I have
installed an external antenna mount and a combo power/serial cable to the
GPS unit. I will configure the route using the mapping software below and
load the way-points into the Garmin GPS III and then begin tracking. I
use the Garmin to provide visual indication of compass headings and where
to turn and I use the mapping software's voice read out to give street
names and directions to the next turn point.
Another nice feature about this GPS unit is the Tracback feature. While I am out traveling off-road, I record all of my movement, then if it gets dark or bad weather rolls in, I can automatically plot a return path back to base camp and follow it on in.
Street Mapping Software
I use Delorme's Street Atlas 5.0 mapping software. The GPS unit is
hooked via the serial port and cable. I will mark the start and end points
on the software and let SA5 calculate the shortest route. Once that is
done, I upload the route to the GPS and begin tracking. The SA5 product
provides 3 voice response readouts. They are "Current Road", "Current Directions"
and "Time to Finish". The software will periodically call off the above
three pieces of information. If I want to hear any of the information again,
I use the VRS 98 voice recognition software and "ask" the computer, via
the internal intercom system, to repeat one of the above commands, it will
then play a keystroke script and cause SA5 to read off the requested information.
EMWIN Capable
EMWIN is the US Governments Emergency Management and Weather Information
Network. They broadcast via satellites, repeater stations and the Internet
all emergency broadcasts and weather updates on a continuous basis. I downloaded
the PC based software required to translate the transmissions into text
and images that can be displayed on the computer. You can get text reports
and weather updates along with satellite images of weather, fronts and
lighting strikes. Also, all local and national emergencies are broadcasted
immediately over this system. I can receive the transmissions via the Internet
and I am also installing a 1200 baud demodulator unit on the BearCat scanner
described below to pick up the repeater station's rebroadcast signal. I
didn't want to install a satellite dish to pick up the direct signals.
Cellular Phone & Internet Connection
I have installed a Nokia 2160 cellular phone with the full US CARKIT
11 hands free kit and 3 Watt booster system along with an external antenna.
I also use the adapter that plugs into the car kit and provides a port
to plug the Laptop's cellular modem into the phone. I sometimes get up
to a 9.6 connection on the cell phone to my ISP. Via another connection,
the cell phone can also be connected to the intercom system, thus allowing
both the pilot and co-pilot to use the phone. The intercom supports a "Pilot
Isolate" function if I want to make a private call.
10 Meter Radio
I have installed a Mirage RCI 2950 radio with DOSY meter and a 9 foot
whip antenna. This radio is used to communicate with the other vehicles
that go off-road with us. Again, this device is also connected to the intercom
system. I also have a portable Cherokee AH-21F CB radio that can also use
the Intercom headsets. That way, the co-pilot can go mobile and be outside
the vehicle and talk to me via the radio and it is piped into the intercom
system. Also, remember, the computer continues to be one line with the
intercom system, so the co-pilot can control the computer remotely.
Computer Controlled Automation
I have also added computer controlled automation to the vehicle by
installing a simply Parallel Port Relay interface device that is connected
to the computer via the parallel port. I then wrote a Visual Basic
5.0 program that controls the Winch and several lights by sending out certain
signals over the printer port to the relays. I next added Voice Recognition
to the Visual Basic program, so now I can speak commands and have the computer
activate relays that will turn on and off devices on the vehicle.
Again, these voice commands can come in over the Intercom, the 10 Meter
radio or even the cellular phone, as well as from the computer keyboard.
Scanner
I have installed a BearCat 760 XLT scanner that is used to provide
EMWIN rebroadcast signals as well as monitor other CB channels for the
different groups that go off-road with us.
Intercom System
I have installed a Soft Comm 6PS (6 position Panel mount Stereo) intercom
system. This device supports the Pilot, Co-Pilot, CB, Scanner, Computer,
Cell phone and a remote port in the engine compartment so that when the
mechanic is working on the engine or someone is using the winch, they can
plug their headset into the intercom system and be in communications with
me. The headset supports VOX and PTT, along with Pilot Isolate features
and a -24db noise reduction capability.
